Health and Information Center

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

About a Patient's Rights and Responsibilities

Monroe County Medical Center works to provide care efficiently and fairly to all patients and the community.
MCMC encourages respect for the personal preferences and values of each individual.
We consider you a partner in your care. When you are well informed, participate in treatment decisions
and communicate openly with your doctor and other health care professionals, you help make your care as effective as possible.

Patients at MCMC have certain rights regarding their care, treatment, privacy, visitation, etc.
See the list below for all of your rights as a patient. If you feel that your rights as a patient of this hospital have been violated,
then check out our Complaint Procedure page to find out how to submit a complaint.

However, also remember that the care that you receive as a patient depends partially on your participation and actions with your physician and MCMC staff.
To view your responsibilities as a patient at MCMC see the list below.

Patient Rights

As a patient at MCMC, you have the right to:

receive considerate and respectful care at all times and under all circumstances

be treated equally and receive the same level of care or treatment regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, age or ability to pay

receive safe and appropriate medical care to the best of the organization's ability

be informed of your rights before care is provided or discontinued, whenever possible

be informed of hospital rules and regulations that affect your conduct, behavior, and treatment.

personal privacy during personal hygiene activities, during medical or nursing treatments and when requested as appropriate and to expect that documents and communications concerning your care will be treated as confidential

have family members, representatives and your physician notified of your admission to the facility.

know the names and roles of the people providing your care including the physician who has primary responsibility for your care and treatment.

access pastoral and other spiritual services

receive treatment in a safe environment free from abuse and harassment, and to be assisted in accessing Protective Services and/or Advocacy Services as appropriate. If you need assistance in determining the need for these services, notify your nurse.

receive personalized treatment through an individualized treatment plan and to participate in the development and implementation of your treatment plan and to make decisions regarding that care. If you are unable to participate in your care and treatment, your rights will be exercised by a designated representative as allowed by law.

appropriate assessment and management of pain.

be free from restraints and seclusion of any form that are not medically necessary or are used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience or retaliation by staff. If restraints are used, they will be used only if clinically required and in accordance with your plan of care. Restraints may be used only as a last resort and in the least restrictive manner possible to protect you and others from harm.

have an Advance Directive such as a Living Will or Health Care Surrogate/Proxy. These documents express your choices regarding your future care or name someone to make decisions about your care if you are unable to speak for yourself. If you have an Advance Directive you should provide a copy to the hospital and your doctor. Your access to care will not be affected if you do or do not have Advance Directives. Advance Directives will be honored to the extent permitted by law. You have the right to receive assistance in formulating Advance Directives; please ask the nursing staff for appropriate forms. Your wishes concerning organ donation will be honored within the limits of the law or hospital capacity.

participate in ethical decisions regarding your care.

be informed about your health status, treatment, results of care, including unanticipated outcomes, and what you can expect with your illness in terms you can understand.

refuse recording or filming made for purposes other than the identification, diagnosis or treatment and rescind consent for use of filmed or recorded documents up until the time used.

wear personal clothing and religious or other symbolic items, provided such items do not interfere with diagnostic procedures or treatment

consent or refuse care, treatment and services, as permitted by law and be informed of the medical consequences of your action. If you refuse a recommended treatment, you will receive other needed and available care. You have the right to leave the hospital against medical advice. Leaving the hospital may pose health risks and may result in denial of reimbursement by third-party payors, making you responsible for the all charges.

request a consult with other physicians at your own expense.

expect that the hospital will give you necessary health services to the best of its ability. The hospital will provide evaluation, treatment, service, referral, and/or transfer as indicated by medical necessity. If transfer is recommended or requested, you will be informed of risks, benefits, and alternatives. You will not be transferred until the other institution agrees to accept you.

receive reasonable continuity of care upon discharge and notification in advance of any health care needs following discharge. We will assist you with follow-up appointments and/or referrals as necessary.

timely notification if your insurance will not pay your bill and information about the grievance process if you disagree with your insurance company's decision.

continue participation in research and clinical trials in process at the time of admission.

receive an itemized explanation of your bill and to know about hospital rules that affect your charges and payment methods.

confidentiality of your medical records, review your medical records and to have information explained, and obtain a copy of your medical records as permitted by law. We meet your request as quickly as reasonably possible. All communication and records pertaining to your care, including the source of payment will be treated as confidential, unless you have given permission to release information or reporting is required or permitted by law. When records are released to others confidentiality is emphasized and you may request a list of disclosures.

know about hospital resources, complaint procedures, or ethics committees that can help you resolve problems and questions about your hospital stay and care. You have the right to voice complaints and grievances about care without the fear of retaliation. You may file a complaint with the hospital, the state agency, or The Joint Commission.

know if this hospital has relationships with outside parties that may influence your treatment and care. These relationships may be with educational institutions, other health care providers, or insurers.

receive information from your physician necessary to make treatment decisions. Except in emergencies, such information should include, but not be limited to, the specific procedure and/or treatment associated risks, and the medically significant alternatives for care.

information regarding the organization's policy on the forgoing of life support by withholding resuscitative services from patients.

Patient Responsibilities

When you are a patient at MCMC, you have the responsibility to:

provide accurate and complete information, to the best of your knowledge, about your present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters related to your health

report any safety issues related to your care or about the physical environment to your physician or a member of the staff.

ask questions when you do not understand information about your care or condition or instructions regarding your care

report any perceived risks in your care or unexpected changes in your condition to your physician or other healthcare providers

follow any treatment plan recommended by your physician, including the instructions of nurses and other health care professionals
as they carry out your physicians' orders and to notify your physician or nurse if you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment.
You are responsible for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow your physician's instructions.